How to Choose an Artwork for Your Home
Have you ‘been meaning’ to buy an artwork for above your couch since you moved into your new home seven years ago? Are you looking for an artwork for your bedroom but find yourself frightened about making the right choice? Original art is an investment, so it’s understandable if you find yourself hesitating to commit to THE perfect piece!
Here’s a few thoughts I have, which may help you on your way:
I often here clients wonder if an artwork is too big for their room. I say, if you can afford it, go big! It’s rare for an artwork to appear too big for a room, and more common for an artwork to be too small. For feature walls, such as above a couch, or the master bed, you can make the artwork almost as wide as the piece of furniture. (Or you can go for two pieces grouped together - don’t hang them too far apart!) Of course, there are also plenty of spaces in a home that will accomodate small artworks that can really create extra interest in your room!
If your home has a very distinct decorating style, you probably want your artwork to fit in with that. You may be more limited in your artwork choices than someone with an eclectic decorating style. At the same time, don’t be a slave to your decorating style - maybe the fact that you are in love with a bold abstract artwork is your sign to shift your decor slightly away from a strict federation-style home!
Perhaps more important than style, the mood of the room should determine the type of artwork you choose for the room. If you are trying to create a calming space, you would steer away from very busy and bright artworks.
You don’t need to be head over heals in love with the artwork. You need to like it, but it’s ok for it to simply be part of your decor, rather than a deeply meaningful statement about who you are.
Having said that, I personally love collecting art that I feel connected with. I have an artwork by Perth textile artist Wendy Lugg which is based on the Busselton Jetty. Wendy is the artist that inspired me to take up art quilting, and the Busselton Jetty was a big part of my husband’s annual summer holidays as a kid. I also have a beautiful Leon Pericles print inspired by the Batavia. I have loved Leon Pericles’ since I was a child - so much fun and imagination! The story of the Batavia is one that also had our attention as kids, probably because we were Dutch migrants to Australia, and the story links Australia and the Netherlands. The discovery/recovery of the Batavia wreck is something we followed in the news. So when my Dutch grandmother passed away, and my dad gifted us some money to purchase something special, I knew exactly which artwork I wanted! So, I say, learn about artists, and their artworks, and see which ones you really connect with.
You can also make meaningful art purchases by purchasing art to celebrate an event such as a graduation, a business milestone or a wedding anniversary. What a beautiful way to be reminded of that occasion!
